Temperance Piña Colada

Creamy (e.g. Dirty banana) · Frozen (blended) · Non-alcoholic

3.4 17 ratings

Ingredients

How to make

0.0% alc./vol. · 0 standard drinks · 300 calories

History

A Piña Colada stripped to its essentials.

The Piña Colada's origins are debated, with several places claiming to be its birthplace. One strong claim comes from the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero is credited with creating the drink in 1954. He was working at the hotel's Beachcomber Bar when the manager asked him to come up with a new signature drink. Marrero experimented with coconut, pineapple, and rum, and after three months, he finalized the recipe that would become the Piña Colada. He reportedly used a specific blend of cream of coconut, strained pineapple juice, and a local rum. Another contender for its creation is Puerto Rico's Barrachina restaurant. They assert that the Piña Colada was invented there in 1963 by a Spanish-born bartender named Ricardo Garcia. However, the Caribe Hilton's claim is often cited as more likely, given that Marrero was a professional bartender in a prominent hotel. Regardless of its exact origin, the Piña Colada gained significant popularity throughout the 1970s. Its tropical flavor profile made it a hit, and it became synonymous with beach vacations and Caribbean getaways. The drink's popularity was further boosted by the 1979 song "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes, which, despite its title, actually tells a story about a couple who are bored with each other and decide to have affairs, only to discover they are seeing each other. The song's widespread success cemented the Piña Colada in popular culture. In 1978, the Puerto Rico Department of Tourism officially declared the Piña Colada the official drink of Puerto Rico. This designation further solidified its connection to the island and its identity. The official recipe, as recognized by the department, includes white rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice, served over crushed ice, often garnished with a pineapple wedge and a cherry. There are variations on the Piña Colada recipe, but the core ingredients remain consistent. Some recipes call for fresh pineapple rather than juice, and some bartenders add a splash of lime juice for brightness. The type of rum used can also vary, from light to aged rums, each offering a different nuance to the flavor profile. The cream of coconut is a key ingredient, providing sweetness and a rich, creamy texture. The drink's journey from a hotel bar in San Juan to an internationally recognized cocktail is a testament to its enduring appeal. Its sweet, fruity, and refreshing taste has made it a beloved classic for over half a century, enjoyed by millions around the world.

Also known as Snow White